Image: Goss Michael Foundation collection.
As the world recovers from George Michael’s shock death on 25 December, it is not only his music he leaves behind, but also his legacy as a major collector of contemporary art.
Michael started collecting with then partner Kenny Goss in the late 1990s. Goss was a Texan art dealer, and their 13-year relationship ended in 2009.
The pair established the Goss-Michael Foundation in Dallas, with artist Damien Hirst curating their inaugural exhibition in 2007.
A stronghold of the collection is work by the Young British Artists (YBAs), including Tracey Emin, Marc Quinn, Sarah Lucas and Hirst. The collection is comprised primarily of British contemporary art and includes approximately 500 works, with shared themes on sexuality, personal identity, beauty, sensuality and death.
GMF is also involved in philanthrophy and the former couple credited with helping elevate the Dallas art scene and support local artist through exhibitions and a residency program.
The foundation is a major draw during the annual Dallas Art Fair and American blog Artnet named it one of the top ten private contemporary art museums last year.
George Michael joins the celebrity deaths of iconic musicians Prince, Leonard Cohen and David Bowie in 2016.
Entry to the Goss Michael Foundation in Dallas
